1 Physics 232 Condensed Matter Physics
Instructor: Peter Young Office: 212 ISB Telephone: 459-4151 e-mail: [email protected] Location: 231 ISB Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00–12:45 am.
This course description and other course materials will also be available on my web site at
http://apyoung.com/232
TOPICS This course on condensed matter physics will cover three areas:
• magnetism,
• optical properties,
They have been chosen because of their intrinsic interest and because they are both areas of active research.
BOOKS No one book covers all the material. General books on solid state physics such as
Condensed Matter Physics by M. Mardar Solid State Physics by N. Ashroft and N. D. Mermin 2
Introduction to Solid State Physics by C. Kittel (more elementary) will be useful. The concise book Principles of the Theory of Solids by J. M. Ziman is also useful.
Other more specialized books will also be used, for example:
Lectures on The Theory of Magnetism by R. J. Elliott Quantum Theory of Magnetism by R. M. White Electrodynamics of Solids by Martin Dressel and George Gruner¨ Quantum Theory of Solids by C. Kittel Theory of Interacting Fermi Liquids, Vol. 1 by D. Pines and P. Nozi`eres Theory of Superconductivity by J. R. Schrieffer Introduction to Superconductivity by M. Tinkham Theory of Superconductivity by G. Rickayzen Superconductivity of Metals and Alloys by P. G. de Gennes Superconductivity edited by R. D. Parks, Vols I and II.
These are, or soon will be, on reserve in the library.
REQUIREMENTS This course will require:
• Quantum mechanics, preferably at graduate level
• Statistical mechanics, at graduate or advanced undergraduate level
• Basic atomic physics
• Knowledge of basic condensed matter physics, e.g. Physics 231, would also be helpful.
GRADES The grades for the course will be decided on the basis of homework, 50%, and a final exam, 50%. To pass the course you must receive a satisfactory score in both parts.